I’m Marites Arias—a mother, storyteller, and creator guided by curiosity, wonder, and the questions that don’t always have simple answers.

Motherhood has inspired me to look at the world through a child’s eyes again—to notice, imagine, question, and remain open to possibility. I’m especially drawn to stories that gently explore what it means to be human: how we come to understand ourselves, how the world shapes us, and what we might discover when we listen to our own inner knowing.

Born of Stars: The Journey of Lumi grew from that curiosity. I created Lumi’s story not to tell children what to believe, but to give them space to wonder, ask their own questions, and discover what feels true for themselves.

And this is only the beginning. I hope to continue creating stories filled with imagination, heart, curiosity, and a little bit of magic—for children and for the grown-ups reading beside them.

San Tan's Ethereal Artwork

San Tan's watercolor illustrations create generous visual space for children to stop, ask questions, and imagine. Each spread is a gentle invitation to explore celestial landscapes and the inner glow of discovery, fostering quiet moments of connection.